Barcelona baby!
Two weeks ago I visited the stunning city of Barcelona. What a beautiful place. I loved the people, the architecture, the flamenco dancing and music. Alfresco dining, delicious tapas and sangria in the sun. Barcelona is definitely worthy of being called the pearl of the Mediterranean. If I had more time I would have loved to visit some chess clubs and meet some of our LogiqBoard friends. Next time for sure!
The stunning buildings designed by Gaudi
International Women’s Day
The children at my chess school had a special assembly and watched a video explaining the importance of International Women’s Day. Back in class we had a discussion about women in chess and the barriers women have faced in history and the issues that affect girls and women playing chess today. Our key question was solution focused:
How can we ensure more girls play chess?
It takes courage for children to share their ideas on this topic. It’s an important conversation to have, to show children how they should respond to stereotypes whether they’re male or female. It’s also my job to nurture a discussion with developing ideas and value all contributions. My students were interested to hear about the Fide initiative to support mothers in India playing in chess tournaments. We spoke about the Women in Chess charity and their work, including efforts to make tournaments comfortable and positive places.
Role models matter
My students also told me in a very sweet way that having a wall display celebrating women in chess is important! (it’s on my to do list, I promise) . Other points raised were boys being too competitive and aggressive when playing chess. A boy responded that sometimes girls are like this in the playground. This was a safe space to air our views, if only the world was the same.
We discussed examples of what is acceptable and what makes someone uncomfortable. Kindness, good sportsmanship and respect were the key values. We spoke about the power of words and how even one statement could stop someone visiting a chess club ever again.
Don’t be afraid to have these conversations. I think it’s our duty as chess teachers. Even if your club is all boys. Have high aspirations for all whether it’s educational or competitive chess, girls and boys.
Chess Queens
I’ll wrap up this section with one of my favourite March events! Two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Shahade as she launched her book ‘Chess Queens’ in London. Jennifer is a two-time women’s US chess champion, commentator, poker player, author and WIM grandmaster.
If you love chess, history, learning about the game changers of the world then this book is for you! A book of stories to inspire with chess games included! 🧡🖤🧡
Conferences in March, past and present!
My final March snapshot is all about conferences. Last year I was invited to speak at the London Chess Conference. The theme was Chess and STEM. A wonderful event organsised by Rita Atkins, Brigitta Pezleg and John Foley.
The Power of Problem solving
My talk was ‘Problemsolving through the theme of chess’. Speaking after me was LoqiqBoard’s co-creator Rita Atkins. I spoke about primary education and Rita explored maths investiagations for older children. LogiqBoard ofcourse featured throughout!
My favourite presentations:
There were many great talks. Some presentations allowed me to develop as a teacher and some had ethical value, they showed how chess changes lives for the better.
I loved learning about chess education in the early years. This is definitely something I’d like to explore as I was a teacher in early years education as the start of my career. I loved hearing about the work in Prisons and how the game creates focus, a purpose and self study skills. I’m a true believer in how chess can be transformative, shaping behaviour and attitudes.
The talk on Tik Tok and the various talks about critical thinking skills were fascinating. The maths speakers before and after me were my favourites of course and I met some chess legends in the education world. Malcolm Pein and Leontxo Garcia it was an honour!
The three day event was was a melting point of creative and talented people passionate about chess in education. Conferences are a great way to network with people from all around the world and often lead to projects and collaboration! 😉
If you’re free this weekend I have some exciting news, we have another March chess conference!
The Chess, Education and Health Congress in Menorca, March 22nd, 23rd, 24th
https://congresodeajedrezmenorca.com/
Rita will also be presenting a talk! Good luck to everyone. Have a great time, enjoy the sun and sangria! 🍷🌞
Buena suerte Rita!
Hari x
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